Hales for CII head
Peter Hales, sales and marketing director of Norwich Union Life, is in line to be president of the

Hales for CII headPeter Hales, sales and marketing director of Norwich Union Life, is in line to be president of the CII in 2005. Insurance Times has learned that Hales will be appointed deputy president in September this year, taking over from Bob Beckett, who will move into the role of president.

Priestly moveManchester broker Priestly & Partners has moved office to new offices on Scott Drive, Altrincham.

Lloyd's EU reachLloyd's can now write direct business in eight of the ten new EU member states. Lloyd's chairman Lord Levene said it was now authorised to trade in 72 territories throughout the world, including all 25 EU states.

Link City officeLink Underwriting Agency, the UK arm of Gibraltar-based Link Insurance, has opened a London office in the City. It said the Fenchurch Avenue offices were the result of an increase in the amount of London market business it had received since its acquisition by Guardian Holdings in September 2003.

Asda cash planAsda has launched a health cash plan pilot in 40 if its UK stores, which it said would offer customers a 50% reduction on everyday medical bills.

THB partnershipLloyd's wholesale and retail broker THB has formed a partnership with the Independent Buying Consortium (IBC) in a move to reduce costs for its agency base.

Maestro certificationLloyd's broker Maestro Tasker has been certified ISO 9001:2000 for itsmanagement system.

McLarens mergerLoss Adjusters Maxson Young Associates and McLarens International Group have completed their financial merger under newly formed holding company McLarens Young International.